EPL: Arsenal up to third as Olivier Giroud scores against Everton

London: Olivier Giroud made amends for his midweek nightmare against Monaco to set up Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium that moved Arsene Wenger's side back up to third in the Premier League yesterday.

Arsenal's French striker Olivier Giroud (L) celebrates with Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates stadium in London. Pic/AFP

Giroud was guilty of missing a succession of chances in the 1-3 Champions League loss but showed he had put the experience behind him when he volleyed his side's 31st minute opening goal with Tomas Rosicky wrapping up the win in the 88th minute.

Victory was hard-fought but provided the ideal response after Liverpool had increased the pressure on the Gunners in the battle for a top four finish by beating Man City immediately before this game. For Everton this was the latest disappointment in an increasingly troubled EPL campaign.

Roberto Martinez's side paid the price for failing to make more of their long periods of dominance.